Jully Black

Juno Award-winning singer Jully Black says her life is a testimony she wants to share with others.

She wakes up every day treasuring her “purposeful” life and every step she has made in her career, from being a songwriter to making albums and sharing the stage with Kanye West, Destiny’s Child, Alicia Keys, and Sean Paul.

“I’m living my dream,” she told the Oakville Beaver, noting how her experiences have helped shaped the person she is today.

“I’m living proof that your dream is about the journey rather than the destination,” the 36-year-old Markham, Ont. resident continued.

Black, who grew up in the Jane Street and Finch Avenue area of Toronto, will be sharing her beliefs and mantra with the Oakville community as she takes the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts stage Saturday (Feb. 22) at 8 p.m.

Tickets to the show cost $55 and can be purchased by visiting www.oakvillecentre.ca or calling the box office at 905-815-2021.

“The courage is in the decision,” she said, noting how it’s the choices you make along your journey that will fulfil you.

People just don’t realize “they’re more courageous than they are,” she added.

Black, who began singing in church at the age of six, will also be performing hits off her last three albums and introducing songs from her upcoming album Made in Canada.

Describing the fourth studio album, which is set to be released soon, as her “baby,” Black said she’s proud of it because it brought together people who really believe in the “made-in-Canada movement” and school of R&B.

“It’s something that is passionate to me,” said Black, noting how other Canadian artists like Celine Dion, Nickleback and Justin Beiber are celebrated in their genre.

“... I want people to realize this country has bred, fostered and nurtured soul singers like myself.”

The album has R&B and soul influences from singers like Etta James and Tina Turner, Black said. It’s being put together by Atlanta, Georgia-producer Pete Alexander, better known as YoungPete Alexander.

The live show, she added, will reflect Black not only as a performer, but as a person.

“You’ll get all of Jully — the laughs, the tears, the experience, really everything,” she said. “My goal is to ensure guests leave feeling inspired and empowered.”

Black is encouraging guests to bring a friend they believe may need some uplifting and meet her after the show at the merchandise table where she says she always makes an appearance to meet her fans.